Lean Library

A library-approved tool to unlock access to academic papers.

Lean Library: Unlock Academic Papers instantly

Lean Library is a free-to-use Chrome extension that acts as your personal library tool. It provides instant and legal access to a vast number of academic papers and facilitates access to your library's content whenever and wherever needed. It also offers direct support in the systems and webpages you use most for research, such as Google Scholar and PubMed. Lean Library can be utilized by those affiliated with an institution or by independent researchers, with redirection to open-access materials provided free.
Install from Chrome Web Store

Extension stats

Rating: 3.56
(113)
Version: 2024.32.0 (Last updated: 2024-12-24)
Creation date: 2020-07-01
Risk impact: High risk impact
Risk likelihood:
Manifest version: 3
Permissions:
  • storage
  • tabs
  • alarms
  • activeTab
  • webNavigation
  • contextMenus
  • unlimitedStorage
Host permissions:
  • http://*/*
  • https://*/*
  • <all_urls>
Size: 12.22M

Other platforms

Not available on Android
Lean Library (v2024.31.0)
2.86 (56) 10,883+
Lean Library (v2024.31.0)
3.80 (6) 88,577+
Want to check extension ranking and stats more quickly for other Chrome extensions? Install Chrome-Stats extension to view Chrome-Stats data as you browse the Chrome Web Store.

Extension summary

Put your library on your shoulder as you research

The Lean Library extension is a free tool which assists your library in delivering their services directly into your research workflow!

With the Lean Library extension, you can unlock access instantly and legally to millions of academic papers, streamline access to your library content whenever and wherever you might need it and get direct support within systems and web pages you use the most like Google Scholar, PubMed and thousand more!

Ready to start using Lean Library?

Install the extension, select your institution and begin researching! Even if you aren’t affiliated to an institution, you can still get quick and seamless redirection to open access materials absolutely free by downloading the extension and selecting Lean Library Open as your library.

Lean Library is a fantastic complement to other research tools you may already use including LibKey Nomad, EndNote Click and many more.

User reviews

These summaries are automatically generated weekly using AI based on recent user reviews. Chrome Web Store does not verify user reviews, so some user reviews may be inaccurate, spammy, or outdated.
Pros
  • Enhances access to academic resources
  • Saves time for students and researchers
  • User-friendly interface and seamless integration with university libraries
  • Helps discover library e-resources and Open Access versions
  • Positive user feedback from students, faculty, and staff
Cons
  • Crashes or slows down other applications like YouTube and Qualtrics when active
  • Requires re-disabling unwanted integrations after updates
  • Occasionally bugs out or has compatibility issues
Most mentioned
  • Saves time and increases access to materials
  • Seamless integration with university libraries
  • User-friendly and convenient for accessing resources
  • Negative impact on performance of other browser features or applications
User reviews
by S Faiz, 2024-12-06

by wade mcmunn, 2024-11-27

Our university students, faculty, and staff have given us (KSU Libraries) positive feedback on Lean Library. We have noticed our e-resources usage increase as well.
by Marie D., 2024-11-19
View all user reviews

Extension safety

Risk impact

Lean Library requires some sensitive permissions that could impact your browser and data security. Exercise caution before installing.

Risk likelihood

Lean Library has earned a good reputation and can be trusted.

Upgrade to see risk analysis details

Promo images

Lean Library small promo image
Small promo image

Similar extensions

Here are some Chrome extensions that are similar to Lean Library: